Henschke Julius Eden Valley Riesling 2021

This wine has done a mighty job to get where it’s at in a growing year that saw frost damage, then heat, followed by strong winds and the coolest summer in 19 years. That’s impressive resilience!

A powerful aromatic overture to open with heady wafts of apple and citrus blossom mingling with lime cordial and lemon zest. It’s the perennial scent of spring. A taut youngster to be sure, linear too, with fabulous line and length driven by filigree-fine acidity. Don’t be alarmed at the a-word. Yes, the acidity is there – we are talking about riesling after all – but it’s early days still.

This is a wine for the long haul. And there is plenty more to explore on the palate with emerging nougat, crab apple jelly, dusty talc, lime and intense citrus concentrate. Julius belongs in the cellar. Place it there and forget, if you can.